Kids who may not otherwise have a backpack to carry their notebooks and lunch as they head back to school will have their own brand new one full of new school supplies, thanks to the Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network (FRN), in collaboration with Staples and the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane.
Coordinator of the FRN Wendy Farnsworth said the well-established backpack program really makes a difference for a lot of area families.
It’s the looks on the kids’ faces when they’re handed their first backpack that sticks with her.
“Some of the things that really warm our hearts is when we see a young child who’s going to school for the first time and they get a backpack that they’d never had before . . . sometimes the backpacks are bigger than they are,” Farnsworth said with a chuckle.
“You just can’t wipe the smile off your face.”
The packs are filled with everything imaginable that’s needed for school – which also helps parents feel good about sending their first-timers off to school.
“It’s a really, really big deal, Grade 1, for parents and children,” she added.
The program helps relieve the financial stress that’s added to an already stressful and exciting time.
Farnsworth said there’s a lot of newcomers to the area from other countries (immigrants from Ukraine. Africa and Mexico are just three examples) who may especially appreciate the help.
“This helps make them feel welcome and included. They can ask a lot of questions, and it helps connect them to resources,” she said. “We really aim to get them connected to the community.”
The program is dedicated to providing students from kindergarten to grade 12 with essential grade-appropriate back-to-school supplies, fostering a smooth and prepared start to the school year.
"Equipping families with backpacks and essential school supplies plays a pivotal role in dismantling the financial obstacles associated with the back-to-school season,” said Kim Krawec, Manager of Family and Community Support Services, Town of Cochrane. “We are grateful to the many wonderful community partners and donors for their ongoing support.”
Besides Kiwanis and Staples, the program receives significant support from MLA Pete Guthrie’s office as well.
This year Staples gave the program 270 new backpacks filled with school supplies. Kiwanis donates gift cards for the children, so they can top up their backpacks with any supplies that may be missing.
The backpack program runs until mid-September or when supplies run out.
The FRN is not able to accept any used backpacks, but gladly receives monetary contributions.
Eligible participants are required to provide proof of enrolment in a Cochrane or West Rocky View County school, along with GST documentation that lists dependent children. That documentation is typically sent out to eligible recipients through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Residents without proper documentation can call to book an appointment with a resource worker at the FRN.
To access the Backpack Program or to contribute through donation, visit the FRN (127 First Ave W), or call 403-851-2265. Donations are also accepted at Staples (40 Quarry St. E).
For more information on the backpack program, visit Cochrane.ca/backtoschool.
